Workplace Democracy

[Freethinking Anarchists]

Workplace Democracy is an economic system that applies democratic structure, voting system and so on to the workplace, so that all decisions made by a company are made by the workers of that company. Such a system allows for worker self-management and true equality in the workplace, while not necessarily opposing the existence of markets, as such a system could exist in a capitalist free market or an anarchist commune.

Workplace Democracy is a socialist proposal, and is commonly associated with anarchist theories like mutualism, collectivism and syndicalism. The last of which is nearly reliant on the theory entirely, as it advocates for democratic trade unions to manage the workplace.

Some links for further information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workplace_democracy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Workers'_self-management
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syndicalism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutualism_(economic_theory)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collectivist_anarchism

Also, a humorous video involving Monty Python and Anarcho-Syndicalists....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAaWvVFERVA

Discussion Points:
Can democracy effectively manage a workplace?
Is this a better model than the current capitalist system of a hierarchical and autocratic workplace?
What economic system best accomplishes worker self-management (syndicalism, mutualism, collectivism, etc)?

My opinion....I find workplace democracy to be a legitimate way to bring about equality without actually using the state to enforce it. It is a way to voluntarily liberate the workers. I find syndicalism to best accomplish this, but I find mutualism and collectivism to be good alternates if, for some odd reason, syndicalism cannot be accomplished. I think it is better than an autocratic workplace.

The Left-Libertarian's YouTube video about WSM

[Zeouria]

Workplace democracy allows for the birth of legitament creativity in the workplace.

It seems to have worked well in practice, in history and now.

[Geilinor]

Workplace democracy could work, but it won't always lead to the most efficient or effective solution, just like any other business model.

[Zeouria]

It's interesting to consider a 48 hour work-week. Half going to ones job, and the other doing something else for the community, chosen by hobby.

[Freethinking Anarchists]

Workplace democracy could work, but it won't always lead to the most efficient or effective solution, just like any other business model.

No, of course it won't. Given specific conditions, any system or model may fail. But what has the greatest chance of working? What will work most of the time?

[Atlanticatia]

I think that giving workers more control over the choices made is a good thing, as the workers will know what is best for the workplace, but for management of the company it is best to have qualified people with experience in managing companies, education in a relevant degree, etc. Structure and organization is important for a strong firm, but input from the people that make the company run is also important.

[Pandeeria]

Having the entire economy under democratic Managment isn't going to work.

Also, I don't like telling companies how they can govern internally. As long as they're following regulations, paying taxes, and aren't braking the law, they can govern themselves however they wish.

[Zeouria]

Workplace democracy could work, but it won't always lead to the most efficient or effective solution, just like any other business model.

No, of course it won't. Given specific conditions, any system or model may fail. But what has the greatest chance of working? What will work most of the time?

The question, really, is: What s more diserable?

Workplace Democracy and participatory economics is most desirable in my opinion.

There are still many arguments for WSM (Workers' Self Management), being more productive.

[United Provinces of Atlantica]

I think Workplace Democracy is a great idea. Those who Work who for a Company should also manage it.

[Freethinking Anarchists]

I think that giving workers more control over the choices made is a good thing, as the workers will know what is best for the workplace, but for management of the company it is best to have qualified people with experience in managing companies, education in a relevant degree, etc. Structure and organization is important for a strong firm, but input from the people that make the company run is also important.

So, perhaps "representative workplace democracy" rather than "direct workplace democracy"?

[Zeouria]

Having the entire economy under democratic Managment isn't going to work.

Also, I don't like telling companies how they can govern internally. As long as they're following regulations, paying taxes, and aren't braking the law, they can govern themselves however they wish.

In a Communist society, the "company" will no longer exist. Instead, each workplace will be owned collectively, and managed by its workers.

[Zeouria]

I think that giving workers more control over the choices made is a good thing, as the workers will know what is best for the workplace, but for management of the company it is best to have qualified people with experience in managing companies, education in a relevant degree, etc. Structure and organization is important for a strong firm, but input from the people that make the company run is also important.

So, perhaps "representative workplace democracy" rather than "direct workplace democracy"?

This is entirely feasible in a free-market society.

[Pandeeria]

Having the entire economy under democratic Managment isn't going to work.

Also, I don't like telling companies how they can govern internally. As long as they're following regulations, paying taxes, and aren't braking the law, they can govern themselves however they wish.

In a Communist society, the "company" will no longer exist. Instead, each workplace will be owned collectively, and managed by its workers.

I was speaking more under Socialism. And I'm for companies actually existing.

However, I still oppose it.

[Zeouria]

In a Communist society, the "company" will no longer exist. Instead, each workplace will be owned collectively, and managed by its workers.

I was speaking more under Socialism. And I'm for companies actually existing.

However, I still oppose it.

If we're talking about Socialism, as Marx defined it, the workers would still control the means of production, but would be owned by the state. Still, this system would exist.

[Arkolon]

Demoktesis!

Enough said.

[Geilinor]

I think that giving workers more control over the choices made is a good thing, as the workers will know what is best for the workplace, but for management of the company it is best to have qualified people with experience in managing companies, education in a relevant degree, etc. Structure and organization is important for a strong firm, but input from the people that make the company run is also important.

So, perhaps "representative workplace democracy" rather than "direct workplace democracy"?

Not a bad idea. Direct democracy can be ineffective if every small decision is subject to a long voting process, which representative democracy can prevent.

[Pandeeria]

I was speaking more under Socialism. And I'm for companies actually existing.

However, I still oppose it.

If we're talking about Socialism, as Marx defined it, the workers would still control the means of production, but would be owned by the state. Still, this system would exist.

I don't like Work Place Democracy.

That is all.

[Zeouria]

If we're talking about Socialism, as Marx defined it, the workers would still control the means of production, but would be owned by the state. Still, this system would exist.

I don't like Work Place Democracy.

That is all.

Well, why?

[Jetan]

As long as the workers build the company themselves instead of stealing it from it's owners, sure knock yourselves out.

[Ratateague]

So, perhaps "representative workplace democracy" rather than "direct workplace democracy"?

Not a bad idea. Direct democracy can be ineffective if every small decision is subject to a long voting process, which representative democracy can prevent.

You could go halfway with delegative democracy, y'know.

[Alcase]

"We should kill the following coworker: Steve. Who agrees?"

*All raise hand*

"Off you go, Steve, to the showers"

[Atlanticatia]

I think that giving workers more control over the choices made is a good thing, as the workers will know what is best for the workplace, but for management of the company it is best to have qualified people with experience in managing companies, education in a relevant degree, etc. Structure and organization is important for a strong firm, but input from the people that make the company run is also important.

So, perhaps "representative workplace democracy" rather than "direct workplace democracy"?

Isn't that essentially what a union is?

[Ratateague]

"We should kill the following coworker: Steve. Who agrees?"

*All raise hand*

"Off you go, Steve, to the showers"

It's organized labor, not the judicial branch.

[Zeouria]

"We should kill the following coworker: Steve. Who agrees?"

*All raise hand*

"Off you go, Steve, to the showers"

This is coercive. Thus, a violation of Steve's rights. This is not an argument at all.

You clearly have no idea how WPD works.

[Duvniask]

So, perhaps "representative workplace democracy" rather than "direct workplace democracy"?

Isn't that essentially what a union is?

In our modern context, a union bargains with employers. It does not control.